Nothing
says Fourth of July quite like a red, white and blinged-out bike on parade, and we are not just talking about the kids here.

There are several announced events this weekend, and I'm sure there are even more local parades and contests that are being held under the
radar, as it were.

If you know of any that aren't listed here, be sure to send me an email at bettybike@jjournal.com, or just post it in the comments field below to let everyone else know all about it!

Saturday,
July 2

Manasquan
will hold its annual Patriotic Bicycle Decorating Contest
& Parade at 5:30 pm at
the Little League fields in Curtis Park. Prizes for the four age categories include
$200 in "Manasquan Money." Adults are
also welcome to come join in the fun by decorating their own bikes and joining
the parade! Live entertainment and
fireworks will follow at the beach. Visit manasquan-nj.com or call 732-223-0544.

Monday,
July 4

Bike&Walk
Montclair invites people of all ages to
join the July 4th Parade
as a cyclist or walker, on your scooter or on stilts ... whatever means you
most enjoy. No need to RSVP – just show up. Bling your bike, decorate yourself, bring candy to toss, water
squirters to cool off with, and a smile! Wear a BWM tshirt if you have
one. The route is 1.6 miles long and ends at Edgemont Memorial Park. Gather at 10:00 am at S. Fullerton between the Library and the United Way
building. Cyclists must wear helmets!

Launching Summit's 64th Annual Fourth of July
Celebration at Soldier's Memorial Field, the Children's Decorated Bicycle Parade
begins at 10:00 am. Children ages preschool through 10 years
of age are invited to decorate their bikes in the most patriotic fashion.
Trophies will be awarded in three different categories: Preschool, Ages 5-7 and
Ages 8-10. The children will ride their bicycles around the track at Soldier's
Memorial Field as judges pick the winners. Winners are announced from the big
stage by Mayor Jordan Glatt. Trophies will be awarded and photos will be taken
with the Mayor. Every child will receive
a Certificate of Participation.

The kids of Collingswood
are invited to decorate their bikes, strollers and wagons, and parade around
town in the Junior Women's Club Annual
Bike Parade. The event will be held
at Knight Park, and registration will be at the playground in the park. There
is no pre-registration, and no one will be turned away from participation.
Registration begins at 9:00 am and the event will run from 10:00 to 11:00 am. There are
prizes for overall first place in decoration, prizes for best decoration in
each age group, and ribbons for the rest of the participants. There is
also a special award for the best matching family bike decoration.

In Maplewood,
you are invited to a full day of family fun including a circus and fireworks, and
starting with an Everything Push, Pedal or Pull
Parade. Bring your red, white
& blue decorated bikes, rollerblades, kazoos, or toddlers banging pots
& pans. Neighborhood groups and organizations invited to create original
themed entries. Assemble at 7:45 am
at Ricalton Square ... the parade begins at 8:15
am. The day is organized by the Fourth
of July Committee, MCA, and financed by your required Tag purchase. ($10 per tag, babes in arms free). Various fun family events continue throughout
the day, culminating in fireworks at about 9:00 pm. For more info see http://www.maplewoodonline.com/cg/july4/

As part
of Cranford's Annual Fourth of July
Celebration and to help honor Cranford's 140th Anniversary, there will be a Bike Decorating
Contest at Nomahegan Park. Starting
at 1:30 pm, the contest is divided
into three age groups: 4 & under, 5-7 years, and 8-10 years. First, Second
and Third Place trophies will be awarded for each age group. The day-long community festival starts at 8:00
am, and will offer something for everyone including canoe races, a one-mile fun
run and a four-mile run, and field games for the whole family, plus vendors in
the park. This year will also see the
addition of amusement rides, inflatable bouncers, a train ride plus games and
novelty stands. The fireworks will begin at 9:05 p.m. Limited parking will be
available at Union County College, however, residents are urged to walk if
possible.

In Ocean City, two Bike Parades are set: the South Ocean City Parade begins at 40th and Asbury Ave. at 10:00 am, with registration starting at 9:00 am. The Garden Civic Association. Bike Parade forms 10:00 am at the Long Port Bridge. Registration for that one is at 9:00 am.

And South Orange will be holding a Bicycle Rodeo at 9:30 am at Cameron Field, 5 Mead St., which will be followed by the
Village Parade at 11:30 am and a ceremony at noon.